Category Archives: auto news

IONIQ 5 Robotaxi Revealed

Posted on 31 August 2021 by Ken Zino

Based on the Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform, the IONIQ 5 robotaxi’s interior provides – its claimed – passengers “with a spacious, comfortable place to work, relax, or socialize during their driverless ride.” In a nod to individuality, passengers “interact” with the vehicle during their ride, such as directing the robotaxi to make an extra stop. Continue reading →

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Santiago Chamorro now President GM South America

Posted on 31 August 2021 by Ken Zino

Chamorro will relocate from Michigan, where he held his most recent position as GM vice president, Global Connected Services – to São Paulo. Jeff Massimilla, GM executive director, Connected Customer and Mobility Services, replaces Chamorro. Continue reading →

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Porsche Expanding R&D in China

Posted on 30 August 2021 by Ken Zino

“Having a permanent home for this work in China will bring obvious benefits, particularly when it comes to reflecting and predicting our customer’s needs in China, a nation that has truly welcomed Porsche and has taken our cars to heart to the extent that it’s been our biggest sales market,” said Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board at Porsche. Continue reading →

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Kia Tweaks Niro Plug-in Hybrid

Posted on 28 August 2021 by Ken Zino

With an all-electric range of 26 miles because of a minuscule 8.9 kWh lithium-ion polymer hybrid battery, it’s contribution to limiting fossil fuel use that is negatively affecting the planet is laughable. This is hardly a threat to the oil industry. Continue reading →

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GMC Canyon AT4 OVRLANDX Concept Debuts

Posted on 28 August 2021 by Ken Zino

GMC first introduced AT4 in its Sierra light-duty pickup truck in 2019. Here it’s powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission and front and rear electronic locking differentials. With a 27.7-degree approach angle and a ground clearance of 10.0 inches, helped by 33-inch BFGoodrich KM3 Mud-Terrain tires on 17-inch AEV Crestone wheels this is clearly an off-road vehicle. Continue reading →

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Toyota e-Palette Hits Pedestrian at Paralympic Games

Posted on 27 August 2021 by Ken Zino

On Thursday 26 August 2021, a Toyota e-Palette, an autonomous vehicle used to support mobility within the Athletes’ Village at the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo, collided with a visually impaired person about to cross at a pedestrian crossing. At … Continue reading →

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Milestones: 50 Million Toyota Corollas or 12 Generations

Posted on 26 August 2021 by Ken Zino

Tracking the seeming inevitable fate of automobiles and trucks in America, Corolla quickly evolved to offer more room, comfort and performance for close to three generations of customers. The 2022 Corolla combines advanced tech, sporty style and top-level comfort with up to 53/52/52 EPA estimated MPG in the hybrid model and the protection of standard Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 with automatic emergency braking. And, gasp, the first-ever Corolla Cross SUV-like version. Toyota invites everyone with a Corolla story to share it using #MyCorollaStory. Continue reading →

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VW Starts Car-Net Carrier of Choice with Verizon and T-Mobile

Posted on 26 August 2021 by Ken Zino

In the fast-growing world of connected cars there remain large questions about anti-trust regulations and their application – if any has been attempted – to protect consumers from cartel or monopoly pricing. Car-Net, with in-car Wi-Fi capability when you subscribe to a data plan, is standard equipment on most 2020 model year and forward Volkswagen vehicles. The Carrier of Choice program will be available starting late September this year. Continue reading →

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US Auto Sales Forecast Down Again in August

Posted on 26 August 2021 by Ken Zino

Overall new-vehicle sales for August 2021, including retail and non-retail transactions, are projected to reach 1,094,500 units, a 13.7% decrease from August 2020 and a 25.3% decrease from August 2019. Comparing the same sales volume without adjusting for the number of selling days translates to a decrease of 17.0% from 2020 and a decrease of 33.3% from 2019. The seasonally adjusted annualized rate (SAAR) for total new-vehicle sales is expected to be 13.1 million units, down 2.1 million units from 2020 and down 4.0 million units from 2019. Continue reading →

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Toyota to Assemble Fuel Cell Modules at Kentucky Plant

Posted on 25 August 2021 by Ken Zino

“We’re bringing our proven electric technology to a whole new class of production vehicles,” said Tetsuo Ogawa, president and chief executive officer, Toyota Motor North America. “Heavy-duty truck manufacturers will be able to buy a fully integrated and validated fuel cell electric drive system, allowing them to offer their customers an emissions-free option in the Class 8 heavy-duty segment.” Continue reading →

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BMW and Rolls Note Rolls-Royce Founder’s Birthday

Posted on 25 August 2021 by Ken Zino

As the third son of Lord and Lady Llangattock, he was born into a life of wealth and privilege, going on to be educated at Eton and Cambridge and enjoying the freedom to indulge his passions for aviation and motor racing. By contrast, his business partner, Henry Royce, came from a humble background. Continue reading →

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Mazda MX-30 EV Starts at $33,470 in CA this October

Posted on 24 August 2021 by Ken Zino

The all-new 2022 Mazda MX-30 EV is a baby step toward the brand’s lagging electrification. Initially launching in California dealerships this fall, the battery-electric MX-30 has an EPA estimated range of only 100 miles on a full charge Continue reading →

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Khan, Mercedes Chief Technology Officer, Leaves Prompting Reorganization with Focus on Electric Only

Posted on 24 August 2021 by Ken Zino

Magnus Östberg will assume overall responsibility for the MB.OS vehicle operating system as Chief Software Officer on 1 September 2021 – a newly created position that is the result of the unexpected executive shuffle. Östberg will report both to Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG for Group Research and Chief Operating Officer Mercedes-Benz AG, and directly to the Chairman of the Boards of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG, Ola Källenius. Continue reading →

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Cadillac Developing All-New LMDh Endurance Racecar

Posted on 24 August 2021 by Ken Zino

Cadillac and constructor Dallara are designing the new Cadillac LMDh. The two companies’ cooperative efforts led to the design of the championship-winning Cadillac DPi-V.R. A new GM developed engine will integrate with the LMDh common hybrid system. Continue reading →

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FIH Mobile, Stellantis JV Begun on Connected Car Technology

Posted on 24 August 2021 by Ken Zino

Mobile Drive will be equally owned by Stellantis and FIH. The partnership has combined Foxconn’s capabilities in ICT industry and smart solutions, with Stellantis’ expertise in the automotive sector, ensuring the growth of Mobile Drive. Continue reading →

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